It Takes Two is an action-adventure game built exclusively around two-player cooperation. Players take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple transformed into dolls who must navigate a series of fantastical environments to repair their relationship. The experience emphasizes teamwork at every step, with each character possessing distinct abilities that only function effectively when combined with the other.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around platforming, environmental puzzles, and action sequences that shift in style from one area to the next. Each new section introduces fresh tools and mechanics tailored to the two characters, forcing players to coordinate their actions to overcome obstacles. One player might handle traversal or support while the other manages combat or manipulation of objects, creating constant back-and-forth interaction. The game includes numerous short minigames scattered throughout the levels, ranging from competitive challenges to cooperative tasks that break up the main progression. These elements keep sessions varied and focused on immediate collaboration rather than long-term progression systems.
Controls feel responsive across both local split-screen and online sessions, with movement, jumping, and ability use designed to reward precise timing between partners. The narrative integrates directly into these mechanics, using the changing environments to reflect the characters' emotional journey without interrupting the flow of play.
Game Modes
It Takes Two offers only cooperative play, with no single-player option available. Sessions support either local couch co-op through split-screen or online multiplayer on the same platform. The Friend's Pass feature lets a second player join the full campaign for free after downloading a trial version, provided the first player owns the complete game. This setup works across Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S hardware through Smart Delivery, though online play requires the appropriate network subscriptions on each device. No additional modes such as competitive, versus, or solo variants exist.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Cody and May as they explore a world shaped by their shared history and conflicts. Environments draw from everyday household spaces reimagined in exaggerated, magical forms, complete with unexpected inhabitants and challenges. A supporting cast of characters appears along the way to highlight themes of communication and compromise. The story advances through the same cooperative actions that drive gameplay, creating a unified experience where narrative beats align with mechanical shifts.
Is It Worth Playing?
It Takes Two suits players who enjoy structured co-op sessions with a consistent partner, whether on the same couch or online. The game delivers a complete, self-contained campaign that typically lasts several hours and requires active participation from both participants to progress. Reception has highlighted the tight integration of story and mechanics, along with the variety of challenges that emerge from the paired abilities. It received multiple awards, including recognition for multiplayer and overall game of the year. The Friend's Pass removes the barrier for one participant, making it accessible for pairs where only one owns the full title. Those seeking repeated playthroughs may find limited long-term options beyond swapping character roles, but the initial run provides a focused, memorable co-op experience for fans of action-adventure titles centered on teamwork.
